Celebration of the Word

The Governors of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School recognise that 'Celebration of the Word' provide valuable opportunities for pupils and staff to come together to worship God. Whilst respecting the diversity of belief and commitment, Celebration of the Word at our school are Catholic in character, reflecting the liturgical tradition of the Church and placing Christ at its heart — where the Gospel values of our Lord Jesus Christ are taught, lived, and experienced.

In order to achieve our aims, we provide a variety of experiences which consider the religious and educational needs of all who participate, ensuring that every member of our community feels valued and included in our shared faith journey.

Weekly Celebration of the Word

At our school, each Monday, a staff member along with our RE Ambassadors will lead Celebration of the Word. This is rooted from the Church Sunday Gospel, and the Gospel Values drawn from this reading are shared and explored with the children throughout the week during class prayer. During Monday’s celebration we follow a consistent structure of Gather – Listen – Respond – Go Forth, as outlined in our detailed weekly Celebration of the Word plans. Each day of the week has a distinct focus — from Gospel reflections and praying the Rosary to global themes, saints of the week, and hymn practice. Our Celebrations of the Word also embrace global dimensions, encouraging children to recognise the presence of God in the wider world and to respond with compassion and hope to the needs of others. This approach ensures that our worship is rooted in the Liturgical Year and that pupils develop a deep understanding of the Church’s seasons, feast days, Gospel values, and their call to live as global citizens of faith.

Class Prayer and liturgy

Class prayer takes place within class, prayer spaces and time is given to prayer and liturgy on residentials or day trips. Staff guide, model, and nurture prayerful reflection, while children take an active role in proclaiming scripture, leading prayer, and offering personal intentions. This joint approach allows every member of the community to feel ownership and connection to the spiritual life of the school.

Prayer and Liturgy

Throughout the year, Fr Dominic joins us at school or pupils will attend Our Lady Star of the Sea Church for Prayer and Liturgy. Within that Mass parents are welcomed and join their children as we gather our family community together.

Pupils have a wide range of special opportunities to lead and experience prayer beyond the classroom setting:

• Class Masses: Every other week, a class takes turns to lead Mass, planning readings, prayers, and music alongside Father Dominic. All families are warmly invited to attend and support their child during this time.

• Travelling Posada: During Advent, children within EYFS, share the Travelling Posada with their families at home, deepening the connection between school, parish, and family prayer life.

• Oscar Romero Prayer Stations: During Oscar Romero Fortnight children will plan Prayer and liturgy prayer stations and lead this within Our Lady Star of the Sea Church. Parents are welcome to join.

• Walking Through the Greatest Week: During Holy Week, children re-enact the key moments of the Passion, Fr Dominic leads us in Prayer and liturgy as we participate in the ‘Washing of the hand’ we remember how Jesus served his friends by washing their feed and we LIVE out our faith by serving others.

• End of Branch Celebrations of the Word: Each half term, the children celebrate what brings together the themes, Gospel values, and learning from the season.

We are blessed with extensive school grounds, which are used to enrich our prayer life. We have ‘Our Lady’ prayer garden for outdoor worship and reflection especially used within October thinking about the Rosary and May – both months dedicated to Our Lady. These sacred spaces allow children to encounter God’s presence in creation and to appreciate the beauty and peace of the natural world.

Together, these experiences form a rich tapestry of prayer, reflection, and worship that celebrates our Catholic identity and nurtures every child’s faith journey — helping them to live out the Gospel with joy and hope in their hearts.

"Shining in the Light of Jesus, as we Learn, Grow and Love"